Port Dover’s harbor was transformed into a scene of magic and community spirit this past weekend as dozens of costumed paddlers took to the Crick for the annual Witches on Water gathering.

Dressed as witches, participants launched from the docks behind the Harbour Museum and made their way across the sheltered waters. The event combined festive fun with a charitable purpose, collecting donations for the Port Dover Museum, the Kinsmen Splash Pad fund, and the Port Dover Food Bank.

This year’s paddle was spearheaded by Jeannie Mcglade Clement Guillette, with her sister Maurie MacDonald as her co-conspirator. Together, the pair have helped grow the gathering into a whimsical but meaningful tradition.

Reflecting on the day, Guillette said:
“We did really well yesterday on donations for the Museum and Kinsmen waterpark fund! We also got a lot of donations for the Food Bank Port Dover! It was a beautiful day for the Witches on the Crick, and we would like to thank the parks department in Norfolk for leaving the docks in—last year it was not good to launch our paddling gear. The Coast Guard did a wonderful job of keeping us safe as well. This year was a breeze! Next year will be even bigger, I suspect!”

Her words captured the gratitude many felt toward both the Coast Guard and Norfolk County’s Parks Department, whose efforts ensured safety and smoother launches compared to last year.

Though still informal in structure, Witches on Water has quickly become a much-anticipated Port Dover tradition. It blends autumn fun with grassroots generosity, offering locals and visitors alike a chance to celebrate the season while supporting worthy causes. With the momentum from this year’s success, many are already looking ahead to an even bigger spectacle in 2026.